Dry Skin During Pregnancy

Feeling a tad reptilian? Here are some moisture-rich solutions for dry skin during pregnancy that can help you say, "See you later, alligator."

A dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy tissue that now covers your body — especially your face (did somebody say leather?) — has taken over where your skin used to be. If you’re feeling a bit reptilian these days, that’s normal. Here’s why and what you can do to feel a bit more like yourself, fast.

What causes dry skin during pregnancy

Hormonal changes rob skin of oil and elasticity in some women, which leads to that dreaded dryness.

What you can do about it

Wash up. Cleaning your face regularly gets rid of dead skin cells that can contribute to a feeling of dryness. Try a “non-soap” cleanser like Cetaphil or Aquanil — which are less likely to irritate and dry out your skin — and avoid deodorant soaps, which contain ingredients that soak up moisture. Use it no more than once a day (at night if you’re removing makeup); otherwise rinse your face with water. Lightly pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Don’t steam. Although it may seem to make sense, don’t steam your skin — it removes your skin’s natural oils, making it dry and itchy. That also means you should limit showers or baths to ten to 15 minutes in lukewarm (not hot) water.

Add bath oils to your tub. Just be careful with the slippery surface you’ve created. (Remember, you’re a klutz with a giant belly right now.)

Seal it in. Apply moisturizer right after you clean your skin (including after you wash your hands) to seal in the water before it has a chance to escape, especially in cold or windy weather. Reapply frequently throughout the day and again before turning in at night (how about a bedtime moisture massage from your man?). Unscented products are best, since most dry skin is also sensitive skin – especially when you’re expecting. Try petroleum jelly or A&D ointment on problem areas (elbows, knees, heels) to heal very dry skin.

Mask it. Treat skin to a hydrating facial mask once a week to give your skin an extra boost of moisture.

Protect yourself. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day to protect your extra-sensitive skin.

Eat well. When it comes to your skin, you definitely are what you eat — so be sure to include good fats in your diet (mono and polyunsaturated), which are found in foods such as olive and canola oils, nuts, and avocados.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water (soda and coffee don’t count) throughout the day to keep skin moist.

Use a humidifier. Turn it on at night to boost the moisture content in your bedroom. (Hidden bonus: The white noise might help you sleep if you’ve been tossing and turning.)

What solutions are off-limits

Stay away from chemical-based treatments (e.g. peels), which can potentially be absorbed through the skin. If you’re not sure if a treatment is safe, ask your practitioner first.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.

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What to Expect When You're Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.